Our roots in the community date back to the beginning of the twentieth century, when the Fred Victor Mission opened its doors to a women in need and subsequently founded a mission dedicated to support for unwed, pregnant women, single mothers and their babies. This mission, was eventually incorporated as The Massey Centre for Women in 1989.

By the end of the 1980s, it had become clear that many young mothers would benefit from a longer period of residence after the birth of their children. Because of their age and, frequently, troubled backgrounds, an increasing number of these women needed the support of additional time in a secure, stable and supportive environment. There, they would be able to develop the maturity and life skills necessary for good parenting and independent living. By 1991 a major expansion had been completed, and featured additional residential accommodation, a model daycare facility, and expanded programs and services.

Massey Centre has continued to adapt and change with the times and expand outreach to the broader community in addition to centre residents: in 1998 a computer and job training project for single mothers was established; in 2003, a new Ontario Early Years Centre opened.

Since completing a three-year strategic plan in 2009, Massey Centre is again looking to the future – a future in which every young woman who walks through our doors receives the assistance she needs in order to craft a better life for herself and her child.

A Massey Centre Timeline

1900: The first unmarried mother comes to Fred Victor Mission.

1901: The Door of Hope, is founded; a mission for unwed, pregnant women, single mothers and their babies.

1904: The mission is renamed The Victor Home for Women in memory of Fred Victor Massey after Chester Massey donates a parsonage;  administration passes to the Methodist church.

1947: The Victor Home moves to 1102 Broadview Avenue.

1979: A secondary school is established in partnership with the Toronto District Board of Education.

1981: A subsidized childcare centre opens & programming is expanded to support community mothers.

1987: Planning begins for expansion including the Post-natal Supportive Housing project.

1989:  The mission is incorporated as The Massey Centre for Women.

1991: Expansion is complete with 27 unit post-natal residential complex a 48-space day care centre and family resource centre.

1998: Success by Employment & Technology pre-employment program is launched.

2002:  Ruth Atkinson Hindmarsh Award received for outstanding work with children.

2003: The Ontario Early Years Centre opens on-site under Massey Centre management, along with 5 satellite locations.

2007:  William Burgess Satellite School partnership was established.

2008: Nancy Peters retires after leading the Massey Centre for 17, years. Ekua Asabea Blair assumes role of CEO.